Moldova to Join the Conventions of Common Transit and Simplification of Trade
On 25 September 2025, the Council of the European Union announced its decision to invite the Republic of Moldova to join the Common Transit Convention and the Convention of 20 May 1987 on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods.
This marks a historic step for the Republic of Moldova, confirming its firm direction toward European integration and its continuous efforts to modernize and align with European Union standards. Starting from 1 November 2025, Moldova will be able to accede to the Conventions by depositing its Instrument of Accession with the General Secretariat of the EU Council.
The Convention on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods introduces the Single Administrative Document (SAD), used for all import and export procedures, as well as a common transit procedure for trade between participating states, regardless of the nature or origin of the goods. By standardizing customs documents and digitalizing procedures, bureaucracy is reduced, goods are released faster, and cross-border trade becomes more transparent and efficient.
Accession was made possible thanks to a €1.18 million EU grant used for the development of the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) – one of the essential conditions for accession. Through NCTS, Moldova connected its national electronic system to trans-European data exchange platforms, paving the way for a digital, secure and efficient operation of customs procedures. This significant step facilitates Moldovan exports to European markets, reducing costs and eliminating delays linked to paper-based procedures.
This achievement brings tangible benefits to Moldovan companies and citizens:
· Faster exports to EU markets;
· Reduced administrative costs and waiting times at the border;
· Increased competitiveness of Moldovan products on the European market;
· More transparency and predictability for businesses and customs authorities.
Background:
Once Moldova joins the Common Transit Convention and the Convention on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods, the NCTS system will allow integration with European and international customs networks, enabling safer and more efficient international trade and reducing waiting times at customs posts.
NCTS (New Computerised Transit System) is a European management and control system based on the electronic submission of transit declarations and the electronic exchange of data between customs authorities involved in a transit procedure: the office of departure, the office of transit and the office of destination. Benefits of NCTS include: improved services for businesses, enhanced data security, electronic confirmation of transit operations, reduced costs and delays caused by paper declarations, and a lower risk of fraud and corruption through online monitoring of transit operations.
The NCTS implementation project in the Republic of Moldova was launched on 26 September 2023 and was developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), with financial support from the European Union.
